The purpose of this paper is to present to this congress the
proposed Lesotho National Botanical Garden and Green Belt (LNBG), a project
which is at master plan stage with the necessary basic baseline studies,
feasibility and environmental impact assessment studies having been completed.

The presentation of the LNBG may, on the one hand, be considered as a
launching of this project to the international community of botanical gardens.
We therefore invite your contributions to this concept which we will be
presenting since we have in this congress a wealth of knowledge and expertise
whilst we in Lesotho are just beginning.

The LNBG will be presented within the context of Lesothos
biological diversity as such before the project is discussed, and several brief
chapters on the status of Lesothos Biodiversity will be discussed, and
will be followed by the discussion of the project itself.

Lesotho is a small country located between 28.35 and 30.40°
south latitude and 27.00 and 29.30° east longitude. The country has an
area of 30.350 km2 with a population of 2 million.

The country has
three major ecological zones, the lowlands, the foothills and the mountainous
region. The mountain zone covers approximately 65% of the countrys
landmass.

The country is largely grassland with little tree cover, and this
resource, though limited, supports livestock, which is one of the major
economic modes of production of the rural population in particular within the
foothills and mountain zones.

The country has limited arable land, only 9%; the soils are shallow and
of a duplex nature. The most extensive soil groups are mouisol and
alfisols.

Geologically, Lesotho forms part of the Karoo system of Southern Africa,
consisting mainly of four rock groups, Dwyka, Ecla, Beaufort and Stornberg. The
climate could be regarded as temperate, with warm to hot summers and cold to
very cold winters, usually with snow falling during the winter months on the
Maluti Mountain Range. Rainfall ranges from 500 to 1,500, but is very variable
and unreliable most of the time, with prolonged droughts.

The country is resource-poor and has a very limited industrial base.
Immigrant workers working in RSA remittances contribute roughly 40% to the GDP
of the country. This means that the export of labour forms one of the major
economic backbone of the country.

The high altitude and mountainous nature of the country, although
sometime regarded as a limitation, has strong attractions with altitudes rising
to over 3,400m above sea level and this is the reason why it is called the
Kingdom in the Sky or the Mountain Kingdom.

Description of Biodiversity For the purpose of this paper,
Biodiversity will be considered to refer to the interactions between the
inter-related elements and/or components of the biosphere which , in their
simplified form, can be divided into three levels, namely ecosystem diversity,
which encompasses the rivers, forests, mountains and conurbation's, secondly
species diversity such as plants, fauna, insects, avifauna and others, whilst
the third level refers to genetic material within species (GOL (NES), 1996). Of
equal importance in Biodiversity is the human being, who is believed to be
influenced by the nature of Biodiversity in a particular environment, thus it
determines his cultural, spiritual and moral values and practices and also
affects his socio-economic practices.

2.1.2 Need to
Conserve Biodiversity

Over the years, human activity resulting from rapid and huge increases in
population, over-harvesting and over-exploitation and deliberate destruction of
the natural resources, and socio-economic practices resulting in neglect of
sensitive environment systems and pollution has had adverse effects on
Biodiversity. These negative impacts resulting from human activity have largely
contributed to the loss and extinction of certain habitats and species and has
reduced genetic variability.

The global realisation of the dangers associated with loss and severe
degradation of Biodiversity which is posing danger to the very existence of
man, has resulted in development of global policies, strategies and
establishment of appropriate institutions designed to deal specifically with
conservation and enhancement of biological Biodiversity. The most notable
efforts are The United Nations Conference on Environment held in
Stockholm in 1972, The World Conservation Strategy (1980),
The World Commission on Environment (1987) and United Nations
Charter for Nature (1992).

All the above efforts culminated in an important event when about 157
countries signed The Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 in
Rio de Janeiro and it was at this conference that Agenda 21 was conceived.

Lesotho was amongst those countries which signed the Convention and in
1995 it was ratified. Following the endorsement of the global strategy on
biological diversity, commonly referred to as Agenda 21, Lesotho incorporated
recommendations on Conservation of Biological Diversity into a National Action
Plan. Other important international conventions which Lesotho has ratified and
assumed responsibility to implement are Convention on Climatic Change,
Drought and Desertification and The Montreal Protocol.

The establishment of the proposed Lesotho National Botanical Garden is
therefore a result of both the national and international obligation to develop
concrete strategies which will contribute to the conservation of Biodiversity
in order to ensure survival of present and future generations of the Basotho.

3.0 THE STATUS OF BIODIVERSITY IN
LESOTHO

The discussion on the status of Biodiversity in Lesotho for
the purpose of this paper will be confined to floral, faunal, avifaunal and
insects, since their diversity has a bearing and relevance to the proposed
Lesotho National Botanical Garden. Also, this discussion will be very general
and brief, since it will be used simply as background information to the issues
which will be addressed later in this paper.

Although considered to be amongst the countries least endowed with
Biodiversity, Lesothos biological diversity still displays a significant
variety of genes, species and ecosystems which are definitely of value to both
the nation and the international world.

Basically considered to be a grassland biome, Lesotho has
very limited tree and grassland cover, with this grassland biome broadly
classified into three main groups largely based on the climate and ecological
zones of the country, namely the lowland zone at average 1,400 metres above sea
level, foothills zone occurring between 1,700 to over 2,000 metres above sea
level and mountain zones occurring between 2,500 to 3,480 metres above sea
level. Much of Lesothos grassland is used for animal grazing, whilst a
few species are economically exploited, namely thatching grass (Hyparrhenia
spp.) broom-making grass (Merxmuella macowanic) and other species used for
making handicrafts. A major threat to Lesothos grassland biome is
overgrazing, increasing human settlements and indiscriminate over-exploitation
of this resource.

Approximately 2,000 species of flowering plants occur in Lesotho and the
majority of the interesting species occur within the Maluti-Drakensberg
Mountain Range, where 60% of these mountains are in Lesotho, thereby giving
Lesotho a fair share of what is considered the regional alpine plant diversity
hot spot. Out of 1,750 plant species found within the
Maluti-Drakensberg, 30% of the plants are endemic to Lesotho (Cowling, R.M. and
Hilton-Taylor, C. 1994). One of the important Lesotho Alpine Belts
endemics is the Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphyla), which is Lesothos National
Flower and it is both nationally and internationally valuable. This plant,
together with other endemics and rare plants within the mountain region, has
attracted a lot of conservation and research attention and propagation of the
spiral aloe has already been successfully undertaken. The existence of the
Spiral Aloe as the most sought after plant in Lesotho is threatened by
over-harvesting and illegal sale to tourists.

Lesotho, often referred to as a major water source locality in the
region, has very environmentally sensitive wetlands which mostly occur in the
highlands region. The increasing utilisation of Bogs and Ferns System and the
damage caused by livestock, road construction and mining are posing a serious
risk to the existence of these species, which in turn affects their
hydrological function with serious implications on water sources of the Lesotho
Highlands.

Although information on Lesothos faunal diversity is limited,
research and documentation suggest that mammalian species have drastically
changed as a result of the loss of big game such as zebra, eland, wildebeest,
etc. The loss of the big game has been largely due to human habitation, hunting
and increasing competition for very scarce rangeland. Species known to occur in
Lesotho are mostly small game, including baboons. The icerat (Otomys slogetti)
is the only mammal endemic to Lesotho, whilst the white-tailed rat (Mystromys
albicaudatus) is the only red data mammal in Lesotho.

Bird diversity is very low in Lesotho; approximately 285 recorded bird
species, however a large number of these species, approximately 176, are
classified as scarce, rare or very rare. Despite its comparatively low bird
diversity, Lesotho still plays an important role in the regional and global
diversity, since about four very internationally important bird species, the
Bald Ibis, Cape Vulture, Beaded Vulture and Black Stork are well represented in
Lesotho. These are, however, also currently under threat from hunting and loss
of suitable habitats, which are essential for their survival.

17 fish species which are indigenous to Lesotho are well established in
most Lesotho rivers with the exception of a small and rare indigenous Maloti
Minnow (Peseudobarbus quanthlambae), with only five recorded localities within
the mountain region. This fish has already attracted research and conservation.
Fish harvesting or utilisation haCs not yet become a threat to the fish
species. It is feared that the now completed Katse Dam in the Lesotho Highlands
Water Project is likely to interfere with conducive conditions for fish
seasonal breeding and feeding. With regard to the Maloti Minnow, the threat
posed by the dam is also the upstream migration of the predatory trout and
yellow fish. Amphibian diversity is equally low with only 20 species of toads
and frogs (Lutszch and Ambrose, 1992) known to exist in Lesotho and out of
which the umbaculate frog (Rana vertebralis) is the only known endemic.

Approximately 25 snake species have been reported in Lesotho. These
include the deadly venomous snakes, such as the Cape Cobra (Naja nivea),
Spitting Cobra, the Puff Adder and others, whilst the rest are regarded as
harmless. Snakes are severely feared in Lesotho and are usually killed on
sight, whilst other snakes are killed for traditional medicine. Knowledge about
snakes and their importance in maintaining a balance in Biodiversity is lacking
within the Basotho community, hence the indiscriminate killing of snakes. Only
about six lizard species have been recorded in Lesotho and the Pseudocordylus
langi confined to the Maluti-Drakensberg Mountains is globally threatened.

Insects are generally widely distributed in all the regions of Lesotho
and approximately 993 have been identified (Loxton, Venn and Associates, 1993).
Of the total insect diversity, four species of butterfly are considered to be
rare.

With the marginalisation of the Basothos traditional
ways of nature conservation, such as appropriate rotational rangeland grazing
and appropriate ways of harvesting resources, the preservation of Biodiversity
has been under threat.

Protection of Biodiversity in the wild has to a large extent failed in
Lesotho, due to sheer population pressure and human activity on nature. The
size of the country makes it very difficult to have large tracts of land under
conservation, leaving the most viable way of nature conservation to be the
establishment of botanical gardens.

A series of legislation has existed in the past, such as historical
monuments, relics, flora and fauna in 1967, National Parks Act, 1975, and many
others. This legislation has now been consolidated and updated to form a much
more comprehensive environmental legislation having been drafted, and this has
set illegal frame work upon which conservation of Biodiversity will be
undertaken.

With the exception of Katse Alpine Botanical Garden, which is still
being developed, very little has been done in botanical garden development. The
Katse Alpine Garden is a specialised garden which puts emphasis on the
preservation of the Alpine Belt plant species, especially the species affected
by the construction of the dam and this garden will closely be connected to the
proposed Lesotho National Botanical Garden and Green Belt.

LNBG is being specifically established to address the above
problems discussed in the preceding chapter.

4.1 MISSION STATEMENT

The mission statement of the National Botanical Garden is to promote the
sustainable conservation and use, educational appreciation and recreational
enjoyment of Lesothos natural heritage (Fauna, Flora and Culture) for the
benefit of all its people.

4.2 LOCATION OF THE LNBG

The LNBG will be approximately 710 ha in extent, 110 ha being set aside
for a botanical proper, while 600ha will form the green belt. The LNBG is
located in the south-eastern part of the Maseru City, the capital of Lesotho,
and is centrally located for ease of accessibility from any part of the city.
The project area encompasses magnificent and unique landscape made up of three
hillocks with elevations between 1,700 to 1,900 metres above sea level, whilst
the garden will be on the lower flat plain at the altitude of 1,500 above sea
level. The topographical features of the proposed LNBG present many panoramic
views of the city and its surrounding settlements and the hillocks form a nice
mountain backdrop to the garden.

4.3 FUNCTIONS/COMPONENTS OF THE GARDEN

4.3.1 Botanical Garden

Like most gardens in the world, a large component of the LNBG will be to
preserve the plant Biodiversity. It is proposed that although a greater effort
will be made to preserve the indigenous plants of Lesotho, there will also be a
reasonable collection of regional and international plants.

The garden will specifically perform the following functions in the
preservation of floral Biodiversity:

it will be a centre for collections of indigenous, endangered plant
species, which will be grown and held in seed banks in case the natural
populations are destroyed;

cultivated plants will then be re-introduced into the wild as part of
the species recovery; the garden will play a major role in botanical research,
documentation and recording of the indigenous, regional and world plants and
their characteristics (Herbaria) to provide global references of plant
Biodiversity;

the garden will be used as a centre for environmental awareness through
public education;

the garden will be used as a centre for promotion of expertise for
Horticulture and Agriculture and training, imparting knowledge key to plant
survival. This will include evaluation of key economic plant species for
suitability into the conditions of Lesotho and genetic improvement of such
plants in order to improve their productivity.

The protection and enhancement of the greenbelt will also contribute in the
natural regeneration of the vegetation and plant species.

Commercial propagation of commercially viable plant species such
as the Spiral Aloe and many other medicinal plants will be undertaken and local
communities will be involved to impart this knowledge to them.

For preservation of fauna, a small zoo will be established not
only for education and research, but also for breeding the gene pool necessary
for release of mammalian species into the wild.

A snake park will be established to cater for preservation of
endangered reptiles, as well as acting as a research centre and this facility
may also include snakes from outside Lesotho for educational purposes.

Aquatic facilities for fish and other aquatic life as
conservation will be introduced into the garden.

It is hoped that the natural regeneration of the greenbelt will
create conducive conditions for bird and insect diversity. Nevertheless, should
the need arise, research facilities could be created within the LNBG to promote
the diversity of this species.

Recreation also forms an important component of the botanical
garden and this will be a very welcome feature of the LNBG to the Maseru City
residents who currently suffer as a result of an acute shortage of
well-organised open spaces. Picnic spots, horse trails, mountain bike trails,
cave or mountain climbing will be developed to provide active recreational
facility within the LNBG. Care must however be taken when designing
recreational facilities within the LNBG in order to reach or maintain a balance
between the conservation aspects of the LNBG and recreation.

A society without history and culture can definitely be regarded as
incomplete, since the knowledge of the past in most cases lays a foundation for
the present and the future existence of a society. The cultural diversity of
the Basotho is therefore closely interrelated with the general biological
diversity.

It is proposed to have a cultural village and museum within the LNBG.
The village will not only depict the traditional settlement and architecture of
the Basotho people, but will also be a demonstration centre for the
Basothos historical way of life. The cultural component of the LNBG will
be used to show the ancient Sotho village, the Sotho homestead designs and
diverse pottery and utensils and other material and spiritual values of the
Sotho society.

Some people may argue that establishment of a botanical garden is not
necessarily a solution to conservation and promotion of Lesothos
Biodiversity. Protection of habitats in the wild may even be considered to be
the best and cheapest option. However, within the context of Lesotho, the
establishment of a botanical garden is a must if any serious attempts will be
made to save the extremely threatened Biodiversity of the country.

The majority, if not all of the civilised societies have established
botanical gardens. Civilisation within the context used here refers to any
society which has come to terms with the fact that nature has a vital role to
play in human existence through various forms of Biodiversity and as the
Basotho, we regard ourselves as part of these civilised societies and as such,
we will be proud to join the global family of botanical gardens and be part of
the global movement in preserving and enhancing Biodiversity.

As a nation, regardless of our small size, we are proud of the little
that we have and we would like the whole world to know about us. We would also
want to share the knowledge and expertise which other countries have.

Central to this national pride is our exciting but painful history which
was full of wars with different clans, including the Afrikaans settlers which
resulted in the Basotho losing most of its original territory, part of which is
the Free State at present. Despite all these devastating wars and the negative
impact of the Apartheid era, the society has managed to remain intact as a
nation, and this surely is a remarkable achievement.

In recent years, cultural revival is again high up on the African
Renaissance agenda as pioneered by the South African Deputy President Thabo
Mbeki, and Lesotho is no exception in the pursuit of the re-awakening of our
African culture, which has been adversely affected by the colonialism and so
called modernism.

As demonstrated during the discussions on the status of Lesothos
Biodiversity, which is severely endangered by human activity, resulting in
over-exploitation of the resources, it is inevitable that this trend will
continue due to the genuine economic needs of the society, limited by the size
and form of the country.

With over two thirds of the country which is over 30,300km2 being
occupied by the rugged Maluti Mountains with harsh climates, population
pressure is bound to occur on the floral, faunal and avifaunal diversity
resulting in the destruction of conducive habitats essential for survival of
these species. Preservation of nature in the wild and therefore in Lesotho
becomes extremely difficult, therefore justifying an establishment of a
botanical garden composing of a zoo, snake park, aquarium, bird sanctuary, as
mentioned earlier.

Ignorance also exists in the country as to the importance of a balance
of Biodiversity and its conservation. A scientific centre like the one proposed
will go a long way in imparting the necessary knowledge to the Basotho
society.

Economic benefits of the proposition of medicinal plants within the
garden will have significant impacts on increase of species numbers and
variability, thereby increasing commercial returns directly to the garden and
eventually to the herbalists who will be trained within the garden.

Unless urgent measures are taken to prevent the loss and rejuvenate
Biodiversity of the highlands wetlands, a serious threat is looming with
serious implications for our hydrological resources. This may affect the
economy which is presently benefiting from the sale of water to South Africa. A
research centre is therefore needed to address these problems, and in
particular to revive damaged Bogs and Ferns within the wetlands.

There are significant socio-economic benefits which will arise out of
this project, such as job creation for both skilled and unskilled labour, and
this will arise during the construction and operational stage of the LNBG.

Other monetary benefits to the people who will be employed in the
development of the garden will arise due to significant skills transfer and
capacity building. The project will have multiplier effects on Lesothos
economy by becoming a catalyst in tourism development, which may open up other
tourism potential in the country.

Sustainability of a project of this nature and magnitude within the
context of Lesotho is a very important consideration. The location of this
project in the middle of the most populous area in Lesotho, Maseru City, which
is the gateway to the rest of the country, was based on the consideration of
continued sustainability of the project, hence an inclusion of a large
component of recreation within the LNBG. The local Maseru City population and
tourists will contribute to the financial viability of the LNBG. And secondly,
the inclusion of so many other activities, such as a zoo, a cultural village,
etc. are designed to complement the financial requirements of the LNBG.

The project could be developed in three main phases which in turn could
also be further subdivided into smaller phases, depending on availability and
timing of finance. It is estimated that the project will cost a total of R68
900 000-00 excluding escalation and other fees when complete. The studies which
have been done so far were financed by the German Government, through a social
forestry project in Maseru, and at present funds are not yet available to
proceed further.

Intensive local participation has been undertaken during the planning of
the LNBG, and many of the recommendations of the masterplan are the wishes of
the directly affected communities, as well as those representing the wider
Lesotho community and professional bodies. Public consultation is nevertheless
still continuing. The intention is to involve the community directly affected
by the LNBG, throughout the planning, implementation and operation stages in
order to instil a sense of belonging and to ensure economic benefits to these
communities.

Based on the research studies undertaken, there is no doubt that this
project is desperately needed in Lesotho and also the socio-economic benefits
associated with it are found to be significant to justify the investment.